Team GBR is backed and managed by the Equestrian World Class Programme, part of UK Sport’s National Lottery-funded investment strategy to win medals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games and other international championships, as well as support the longer term growth of British equestrian sport

New performance management raises the bar in equestrian sport

29th Nov 2016

Emphasis on sports science and tailored coaching, building on the existing excellence in the coaching programme

New coaching structure announced for World Class Eventing Programme

Richard Waygood MBE and Christopher Bartle appointed in new performance management partnership

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and British Eventing (BE) are delighted to welcome Richard Waygood MBE into the position of World Class Eventing Performance Manager. This announcement confirms the new coaching structure for the World Class Eventing Programme following the appointment of Christopher Bartle in the newly created role of Performance Coach.

The introduction of the new coaching programme to the eventing squad forms part of a greater plan to continue to improve performance as we move into the next Olympic cycle. A more individually tailored programme, which places a greater focus on human and equine sports science as well as examining opportunities to improve the collective horsepower in Great Britain, will look to build upon the success achieved to date.

Richard Waygood says; “I am very excited and feel privileged to hold the highly prestigious position of Performance Manager for the British eventing team. It has been a lifelong ambition, which I have dreamt about on so many occasions, having worked within the World Class Programme for the last seven years and seen the dedication of the riders and staff alike, I just can’t wait to get going."

Chris Bartle added; “It’s exciting and yet daunting to be offered the opportunity to train the British team. On the other hand it’s with sadness that I leave behind the German team and all those at the DOKR and the German Federation with whom I have worked over the last 16 years. I am equally delighted that Richard Waygood has agreed to come on board as Performance Manager for eventing. I am looking forward to building a strong and effective partnership with Dickie [Richard] - I can’t imagine a more suitably qualified person for this position.

“I am really looking forward to building up equally strong relationships with the British riders and their home teams, the owners and the members of the support team within the World Class Programme, the BEF and with British Eventing.”

British Eventing Chief Executive David Holmes says: “Following 17 successful years under Yogi Breisner we are thrilled to have found such an experienced team in Richard and Chris to take the British eventing squad forward. This combination will not only help us advance our elite level athletes but also to use their knowledge and skills to enable us to develop pathways throughout our sport so that we can produce a stronger performance culture from ponies to podium.

“As we look towards Tokyo 2020, Richard and Chris will be key for eventing to ensure the World Class team has the skills, tools and support to reach its full potential - we are excited to work with both of them as we welcome them into their new positions.”

Clare Salmon, Chief Executive of the BEF, adds: “The elite sporting techniques of our new structure brought to eventing are the benchmark for coaching methods and reflect an ambitious process of change that we believe can transform all equestrian disciplines. We expect not only our athletes and horses to benefit from their approach but also to further raise the profile of equestrianism as we build towards 2020 and in doing so inspire future generations of riders.

“Other sports will also be a great source of inspiration as we strive for a winning culture across the disciplines with the quest for a new Performance Director being key in our new approach within the World Class Programme.”

The World Class Programme will, in the next few days, begin the process of recruiting a new Performance Director, a vital position responsible for driving the exciting process of change across the entire Programme. This role will be joined by a new position as they also seek a Head of Performance Support and, with the announcement of Richard into the role of Eventing Performance Manager, a Performance Manager for Dressage, a position Richard held for seven years.

Richard and Chris will commence their roles in January 2017 and succeed current Eventing Performance Manager Yogi Breisner, who has been at the helm since 2000.